An impressive former vicarage in extensive grounds,

Description

The Old Vicarage, home to the vicars of Hoxne for over 500 years, has been transformed by the present owners into a superb family home.

It is an exceptional historic house, included in Nikolaus Pevsner's The Buildings of England series.

The present, Grade II listed, building dates to about 1470 and is believed to sit on the site of a bishop's palace. It is a timber framed building with 15th century style studwork and herringbone brickwork.

Internally, the accommodation flows remarkably well with elegantly proportioned and light filled rooms with high ceilings. The partially glazed oak front door leads to a delightful reception hall and library, with a door to the wine store and French windows out to the garden.

Double doors lead to the bespoke kitchen with granite work surfaces and island; three oven AGA; integrated appliances; double electric oven and Belfast sink. Leading off the kitchen is a useful utility room, adjacent to the secondary stairs leading to the upper floor.

Further double doors lead to a bright breakfast room with views overlooking the Waveney valley.

The drawing room has original early-Georgian panelling, a handsome marble chimneypiece and west facing French windows. The dining room has another attractive chimneypiece with an inset wood burning stove. Beyond the dining room is a study with glazed door to the garden. A further reception room is used as a snug.

The first floor accommodation comprises six well-proportioned double bedrooms, three of which have en suites plus the family bathroom. The principal bedroom is an especially charming room with a south- facing window, which forms part of a suite with a dressing room, and en suite.

Stairs to a boarded loft which provides useful storage.

Outside
The Gardens of the Old Vicarage are mainly laid to lawn, with shrubberies and an orchard with a variety of fruit trees.

The moat encloses an area of about 1.3 acres. The clear waters are now filled with fish; a charming foot bridge and jetty complete the idyllic image.

To the rear of the house is a large pond with a terrace providing an excellent area for feeding the fish; accompanied by an additional two terraces, there are plenty of areas for alfresco dining.

A drive leads from the gateway to the house, which has ample parking. There is a cart lodge comprising a workshop, garage and carport with studio above.

Also in the garden is a summer house and garden sheds.

Location

The Old Vicarage is situated to the west of the medieval St Peter & St Paul's Church in the delightful village of Hoxne.

Hoxne is a pretty and historically important village in North Suffolk with an active local community. The village has a charming 15th century public house, The Swan Inn, offering locally sourced food and drink; a village hall; a shop with a post office; a primary school and playing fields.

Within the local area are a number of other attractive villages and market towns. Fressingfield (5.5 miles) is home to the highly regarded Fox and Goose restaurant. Laxfield (9 miles) is an ancient village with two public houses including The Kings Head, famed for its unique tap room.

Diss is a market town with three supermarkets and a variety on independent shops and cafés. Diss Railway Station (4.5 miles) offers direct trains to London Liverpool Street from 86 minutes. There is ample parking at the station.

Ipswich (25 miles) provides a wide selection of independent and high street shops; numerous restaurants; and a variety of theatres, galleries, and museums.

Norwich (24.5 miles) is the largest city in East Anglia. There are myriad shops, restaurants, bars and cafés; two striking cathedrals, and the Norman castle, now a gallery and museum.

Local sporting amenities are fantastic. Stradbroke has a gym, swimming pool and tennis courts; Diss Leisure Centre has a gym and swimming pool; Framlingham College also offers its sporting facilitates. There are superb sailing clubs along the Suffolk Coast, as well as well-regarded golf clubs, including Diss, Halesworth and Ipswich.

Education provisions are excellent in both the state and independent sectors, including renowned Framlingham College, Norwich School and Ipswich School, all of which are included in the Good Schools Guide.

All times and mileages are approximate.

Square Footage: 5,513 sq ft


Acreage: 3.22 Acres

Additional Info

Services: Mains water. Mains drainage. Mains electricity. Oil fired central heating.

Services: Mid Suffolk District Council Council; Tax Band G.

Agent Note: Additional land available by separate negotiation.